[Association of pulmonar tuberculosis with HLA system antigens in Northeastern Mexico].

Background: Genetic susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTb) has been associated with the HLA (Antigens of the Human Leukocytes) system of the MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex), mainly with HLA-DR and-DQ antigens. Based on this assumption we carried out a case control study to determine the association of PTb with the HLA-DR and-DQ antigens among a sample of patients attending a medical unit belonging to the Mexican Social Security System (IMSS).

Methods: HLA system phenotypes from cases (n=50) and controls (n=417), were defined serologically using a complement dependent microlymphocytotoxic assay. B lymphocytes were obtained using immunobeads. The allele and haplotype frequencies were determined using the Arlequin version 3.01 computer software. Relative risk (RR) was calculated with the Epimax Table Calculator.

Results: The alelles HLA-DR11(5), -DR16(2) and -DQ7(3) and haplotypes /DR11(5)-DQ7(3), /DR14(6)-DQS(1) and /DR16(2)-DQ7(3) had a higher frequency in cases than in controls (RR>1, p<0.05). The HLA-DR17(3) and DQ8(3) alelles and /DR17(3)-DQ2 and /DR4-DQ8(3) haplotypes had a higher frequency among controls than among cases (RR<1, p<.05).

Conclusions: These results indicate an association between PTb with the HLA-DR and -DQ antigens in a Mexican sample. Our results are similar to those found in the international literature.